UHNM Staff Nurse named ‘NHS Hero’ at Your Heroes Awards

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is proud to announce that staff nurse Joanne Blackburn has been named ‘NHS Hero’ at this year’s Your Heroes Awards. 

Joanne, who works as a staff nurse on the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, continues to deliver care to some of UHNM’s most seriously ill patients while awaiting a double organ transplant of her own. 

She said: “I am truly honoured and grateful to be named the NHS Hero award winner. I want to thank my amazing colleagues, who support me every single day, both emotionally and physically, especially on the days when things feel tougher.

“I couldn’t do any of this without my family, my husband Ian and my children who are my biggest cheerleaders. They keep me smiling, keep me going, and inspire me to get up every morning and do my best for the people we care for.

“This award has made me realise just how many lives I’ve been able to help over my 22 years in the NHS and I truly hope I can continue to inspire others in the future. I also hope it shows that even with a life-limiting illness, you can still carry on, find joy, and make a difference to others.”

Joanne was nominated for the award alongside Sadie Bennett, cardiac clinical scientist, and staff from UHNM’s Maternity Centre, who were presented with a highly commended certificate celebrating the positive impact they have made. 

The trio received their awards from former British middleweight champion boxer Nathan 'Hitman' Heaney. 

Joanne said: “I wish I could personally thank everyone who has sent me messages of support which means the world to me, and a huge congratulations to all my UHNM colleagues who were nominated, every single one of you deserves recognition.”

The Your Heroes Awards celebrate individuals and teams across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire who make extraordinary contributions to the community.